Knit and Chat with Hilary Smith Callis

Our first pattern collection allowed us to work closely with three wonderful designers. We wanted you to get to know them a little bit better too so we asked a couple of questions to each of them.

Today we are chatting with Hilary Smith Callis, aka The Yarniad.

When did you start knitting and later on design?

I first learned to knit from my grandmother when I was about 8 years old — but I, quite literally, only learned to *knit*. I finally learned to *purl* after college when I picked up knitting again and really started getting into it.

A few years later I knit my first sweater, and that’s all it took to get me to start designing. Having “unlocked” sweater construction in my mind, I started coming up with my own creations right away and the rest is history!

First thing you ever knit?

A very long, VERY ugly green and blue garter stitch scarf.

What is the knit you have kept for the longest time?

I have a scarf from my post-college knitting days (about 13 years ago now) that was the first item I made that wasn’t 100% garter stitch. It’s very simple, but I love the colors.

Favorite type of garment to knit? Go to stitch pattern?

I love knitting vests. And my favorite stitch pattern is Roman Stripe.

Black of brown?

Black.

Metal or wood?

Wood.

Knitting gadget you cant live without?

I’m pretty simple when it comes to knitting and don’t use a ton of gadgets, so I guess I’d say my trusty tapestry needle.

What other hobby do you have?

Sewing, specifically with knits. I’m currently obsessed.

What was your inspiration for this design?

My favorite type of accessory to both make and wear is the handknit cowl — and my favorite type of handknit cowl is one that resembles, and is constructed like, a semi-circular shawl. I have designed several pieces like this over the past few years and have always wanted to incorporate cables.

When I got my hands on Nurtured, I knew this would be the perfect opportunity. Simone combines so many things that I love: semi-circular construction, a simple, repetitive pattern, and a fun design challenge that was a bit complex for me, the designer, but not for the knitter.